A Framework Convention for Nanotechnology? Policy Review

14 Pages Posted: 21 Nov 2008 Last revised: 15 Sep 2009

See all articles by Kenneth W. Abbott

Kenneth W. Abbott

Arizona State University

Gary E. Marchant

Arizona State University - College of Law

Douglas J. Sylvester

Arizona State University - College of Law

Date Written: November 20, 2008

Abstract

Profs. Kenneth Abbott, Gary Marchant, and Douglas Sylvester argue that regulation of nanotechnology should be flexible and adaptive; innovative; international; and official. In order to meet these requirements, the authors call for negotiation of an international framework convention on nanotechnology as soon as possible. In response, Lynn Bergeson appreciates the inherent logic and appeal of their proposal, but questions whether the timing is right for the necessary parties to undertake the concerted effort needed to create such a convention. Similarly, David Rejeski applauds the idea, but wonders whether competitive pressures and government inaction leave any room for negotiation of such a convention or whether dramatic developments will be necessary to prompt action. On the other hand, Brent Blackwelder believes that the risks posed by nanotechnology are so great that there is no time to negotiate a convention and that a moratorium on nanotechnology should precede any other regulatory efforts.

Keywords: nanotechnology, regulation, international law, technology, international relations, soft law, framework, convention, environmental, trade, Gatt, WTO, tobacco convention

Suggested Citation

Abbott, Kenneth Wayne and Marchant, Gary E. and Sylvester, Douglas J., A Framework Convention for Nanotechnology? Policy Review (November 20, 2008). Environmental Law Reporter, Vol. 38, No. 8, pp. 10507-10514, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1304706

Kenneth Wayne Abbott

Arizona State University ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States
480-965-5917 (Phone)

Gary E. Marchant

Arizona State University - College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States
(480) 965-3246 (Phone)
(480) 965-2427 (Fax)

Douglas J. Sylvester (Contact Author)

Arizona State University - College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States

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